Adelaide Brings the News to Rural WA
Tell us a little about what you’ve been doing since leaving school
Since leaving school, I have graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in journalism and a postgraduate diploma in broadcasting from ECU. Peppered throughout, I’ve been on road trips with friends from Exmouth all the way down to Esperance. I’ve travelled overseas with friends and spent a month doing a marketing internship in China. After finishing my postgraduate degree, I worked casually as a producer at a radio station in Perth before I was offered the role I’m in now.Â
What does your role with 7News involve?Â
I’m based in Bunbury; however, I cover news and sport right around the state. We write stories to a deadline each day which are then aired in the 5.30 pm news bulletin. These stories consist of news and sport.
What does a typical day look like for you?Â
Every day looks different for me. I’ll either be on the producing desk finding stories for the day, delegating those stories to each journalist, and organising interviews. I could be out on the road following a story, from crime to politics and, of course the fluffy stories. Or I could be writing and presenting the weather live during our evening bulletin.Â
What do you enjoy most about your job?Â
I love the variety. Each story is different. Each week is different. The small team I work with are brilliant and make me enjoy coming to work each day.Â
What is one of the biggest misconceptions about being a journalist?Â
One of the biggest misconceptions about being a journalist is that you have to be unethical or deceitful when trying to find information. It’s so important to stick to your own values.
What do you think are the top 3 skills to be a successful journalist?Â
- Writing down questions before you do an interview is all good and well. But most of the time, you’ll be able to ask more relevant questions if you listen to what a person has to say then base your next question on that.
- Attention to detail. Getting the facts right is imperative. I guess research would also come under this point. Knowing your stuff will allow you to write a well-balanced and accurate story.
- Whether it be between colleagues (to make the evening news run smoothly) or with whoever you’re interviewing. I think communicating clearly helps you form strong relationships and trust with different industries you rely on for information or people who rely on you to tell their story.
Where do you hope to see yourself in 5 years?Â
In five years, I hope to be still working in journalism. I’m not entirely sure what that will look like. I’d love to do some lifestyle or travel journalism. I’d also love to live overseas for a year.
What do you do in your downtime?Â
I enjoy spending time outside – whether it be at the beach or going for a walk. After a long day I must admit I love watching a bit of reality TV to wind down.
Who inspires you?Â
It took me a while to find the right answer to this question. I don’t think there’s one answer, so here’s a few:
- Grace Tame – such an articulate and powerful voice.
- The women from Shameless podcast. They created their own media company after their podcast idea was rejected by a former boss.
- Lisa Wilkinson – has given great advice to women starting out in media.
What advice would you give any of our students who want to pursue a career as a journalist?Â
Be up to date with current news. Read, watch, and listen to a variety of news programs. This can help you determine which journalism style you’re interested in.
Be confident in your ability. I’ve definitely doubted myself as I started out in this role and then again as other opportunities popped up – like presenting weather and producing news. But I have found time and time again that it’s never as scary as it may seem, and you’ll usually end up enjoying it.Â
Thanks for sharing your story with us Adelaide.Â
- alumni, Featured
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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